Buffalo, NY (WBEN) – Local African American leaders were spotlighted Friday in Buffalo City Hall as part of Black History Month and were heralded for making significant contributions to the Buffalo community.
Awards were handed out in the arts, business, community, education, law and youth.
“Congratulations to this year’s Black History Month Award recipients,” said Mayor Brown. “It’s always a pleasure to recognize the contributions Black Buffalo residents have made throughout our City’s history. Our community
has been shaped by countless African American leaders who have, and continue, to fight for equity and inclusion. This month, let’s continue to celebrate our city’s powerful history, while reaffirming our efforts to continue to build a place where everyone can thrive, across both racial lines and different backgrounds.”
The following businesses were spotlighted during the ceremony Friday:
The Arts
Naila Ansari
Assistant Professor at SUNY Buffalo State University in Theater and Africana Studies
Community Service
Shantelle Patton
Co-founder of The Dopeness Project
Youth
Steven McDuffie and the Bennett Highschool Football Team
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February 10, 2023
Education
Dr. Jamie D. Smith
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Chief Academic Officer, Senior Vice President of Education, and
the Dean of the Roswell Park Graduate Division of the University at Buffalo
Daphne Ross
Chief Impact Officer for Say Yes Buffalo
Ministry
Pastor Pamela Taylor
Co-pastor of New Life World Harvest Restoration Center
Evangelist Bruce Warrick
Licensed Evangelist and Founder of the “Trust God” ministry
Business
Shannon LaMar Johnson
M&T Bank Business Banking Relationship Manager
Melanie Minor
M&T Bank Cybersecurity Analyst and Business Owner
Family
Dennis Wilson
Teacher, Business Owner and Restauranteur
Rhonda Wilson
Founder and CEO/President of Buffalo Black Nurses Incorporated.
Law
Cavette Chambers
City of Buffalo Corporation Counsel Cavette Chambers
Law Enforcement/Military
Lieutenant Andre Lloyd
Buffalo Police Department
"Today I ask all residents to celebrate Black history month year-
round, by supporting all of our great Black-owned businesses and restaurants in Buffalo,” said Mayor Brown.